Congregation Beth Shalom

Torah Portion: Devarim    Book of Deuteronomy
Chaps. 1:1-3:22
August 5, 2011

The fifth book in the Torah-Deuteronomy-begins with a very different Moses from the person we first encountered in the Book of Exodus: “These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel (Deut. 1:1).”  Forty years earlier, when first approached by God to take the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses said, “Oh, Lord. I am not a man of words (Exo. 4:10).”  What turned someone who was “not a man of words” into a person who will spend the entire final book of the Torah speaking, teaching, and poetically imploring the Israelites to follow God’s ways in the Promised Land?

Contemporary bible scholar Pinhas Peli writes, “Had Moses been a man of words when he first assumed the mission of freeing the Israelites from Egypt, he might have become, as so often happens, a captive of his own eloquence. . .What was needed at that time in the life of the people of Israel was a man of action, not words.”

Moses spent forty years proving his leadership skills by his actions.  He stood before Pharaoh in defiance, led the Israelites out of Egypt and across the Red Sea, climbed Mt. Sinai to receive the Torah, organized the construction of a portable sanctuary in the wilderness, fought against enemies who tried to destroy the new Israelite nation, made certain food and water were readily available, and finally brought the Israelites to the edge of the Promised Land. One may suggest Moses earned the right to speak and be listened to.  His actions earned him the respect of a grateful nation.

I remember being a newly-ordained rabbi, fresh out of the Seminary and in my first pulpit.  Most of my congregation were older than me and far more experienced in the ways of life.  I remember thinking, “How can they take my words seriously?” So, I grew a beard!  I also committed myself to teaching the mitzvot (obligations of Jewish life) by doing them.  Let my actions speak louder than my words.  Thirty-three years later I can speak before my congregation with greater confidence in knowing my words are reflected in my actions.  The honor and respect accorded senior statesmen or retired generals is for their experiences and achievements.  We show honor by listening and learning from their words.

Before writing the next epic novel or delivering the next life-changing address, take some time to first work the fields of life.

Rabbi Howard Siegel